Allergies, Aesthetics and Cosmetic Procedures

Spring has suddenly sprung and along with it our seasonal allergies!

Often asthma and seasonal allergies are linked. Seasonal allergies bring with them mild to severe histamine responses in the body. Although many of us suffer with allergies, most do not know what histamine is and how the body reacts.

A histamine response is the bodies way of recognising an allergen as an invader that has the propensity to cause tissue destruction and blood vessel dilation which in turn produces an inflammatory substance called histamine. There are seasonal allergies and allergies that last year-round.

There are many things other than pollen that create a histamine response including dust, feathers, medication, food, moulds, metals and animals. Often patients will have more than one allergy which may trigger worsening symptoms related to asthma, skin, breathing and balance.

Many will suffer with more than one allergy and in these cases allergy testing will identify the triggers or culprits. Your GP will be able to help you determine whether skin tests are needed and can arrange for these to be carried out in a clinical setting.

A severe allergy may result in anaphylactic shock.

Medications can interfere with allergy tests and their results so you will lead to tell your GP about anything that you are taking over the counter including any supplements, pain killers and herbal potions that you self-administer.

It is very important that you discuss your allergies before any cosmetic procedure and in particular cosmetic surgery. Your Doctor or Surgeon will need to know not just about the medication that you are currently taking but they also about non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Supplements are often left off a consultation form and mostly overlooked by patients.

It is very important to a medical professional especially a surgeon that they are made aware of supplements as they can interact with anaesthesia and may increase bleeding.

You should always be truthful, candid and open with your plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon. They do not judge you on your life choices but they absolutely need to know anything that may affect the outcome of your treatment.

In conclusion allergies, medication, vitamins, supplements, social drugs, alcohol, smoking, vaping and previous cosmetic procedures should all be discussed during your consultation. After all, both you and your doctor / surgeon will want the best outcome.

OUR CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE, SO WHY NOT USE THEM LIKE A FACT-FINDING MISSION, ASK THE QUESTIONS, RAISE YOUR CONCERNS THEN YOU CAN MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE. CALL OUR TEAM ON 01737247246 OR EMAIL TO BOOK